Life and death are in my own hands.

I will not defy; but I do not fear you.

I feel--and in some feelings," added Viola, with a solemnity almost thrilling, "there is all the strength, and all the divinity of knowledge--I feel that I am safe even here; but you--you, Prince di -- , have brought danger to your home and hearth!" The Neapolitan seemed startled by an earnestness and boldness he was but little prepared for.

He was not, however, a man easily intimidated or deterred from any purpose he had formed; and, approaching Viola, he was about to reply with much warmth, real or affected, when a knock was heard at the door of the chamber.

The sound was repeated, and the prince, chafed at the interruption, opened the door and demanded impatiently who had ventured to disobey his orders, and invade his leisure.